stucco

The size of the cracks is important as well as the direction the crack is taking. Keep monitoring the cracks and if they continue to get larger you could have a problem.

Seal small cracks to keep out water and monitor them to insure they are not growing larger. Small cracks are not normally a problem but it they continue to grow or widen it could be a sign of movement.

Glenn

Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone

For more information about me, my qualifications, and/or home inspections please visit my website at:

www.consultationdirect.com

Is it over block or wood framing?

http://www.badstucco.com

The stucco is over block, very common here in south Florida. The cracks are very fine, you really have to look for them. There's 3 and they're vertical cracks about 20 to 24" long.

Any pictures by chance?

http://www.badstucco.com

After only five months of being in the home, you hsould not be seeing cracks. As a former resident and owner of a Florida home, I can tell you that most of the homes do have settling cracks, even new ones. However these cracks should be repaired soon. I would contact the builder and have it repaired. Hurricane season is coming and driving rain can easily penetrate those fine cracks and begin to cause problems for you; ie. mold and such.

Stucco is a three coat process and should have a considerable thickness when complete. There are often reports of poor stucco jobs (not adding all three coats for a proper thickness) and they usually found by homeowners after the storm when they have water in their home.

There is a very good paint that will help seal the stucco, but in my opinion it only masks the problem.

yeah I heard mold can do that